Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs. It is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Here are the key points about mesothelioma:
Types of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Location: Affects the lining of the lungs (pleura).
- Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs), and unexplained weight loss.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Location: Affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel changes.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Location: Affects the lining of the heart (pericardium).
- Symptoms: Chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.
- Testicular Mesothelioma
- Location: Affects the lining of the testicles (tunica vaginalis).
- Symptoms: Testicular lumps or swelling, and pain in the scrotum.
Causes
- Asbestos Exposure: The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. These fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the mesothelium, leading to inflammation and eventually cancer.
- Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at higher risk.
- Secondary Exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also be at risk due to fibers brought home on clothing.
Diagnosis
- Imaging Tests
- Chest X-rays: Can show abnormalities in the lungs.
- CT Scans: Provide detailed images of the chest or abdomen.
- MRIs: Offer detailed images of soft tissues.
- PET Scans: Help determine the spread of cancer.
- Biopsy
- Procedure: A sample of tissue is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- Blood Tests
- Biomarkers: Certain blood tests can detect substances that may indicate mesothelioma.
Treatment
- Surgery
- Purpose: To remove as much of the tumor as possible. It may involve removing part of the lung, the lining of the chest, or the lining of the abdomen.
- Chemotherapy
- Purpose: To kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant).
- Radiation Therapy
- Purpose: To target and kill cancer cells using high-energy rays. It is often used in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy
- Purpose: To boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Drugs like pembrolizumab and nivolumab are used.
- Targeted Therapy
- Purpose: To target specific genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth.
Prognosis
- Factors: The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on the stage at diagnosis, the patient’s overall health, and the type of mesothelioma.
- Survival Rates: Generally, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis, with many patients surviving about 12 months after diagnosis. Early detection and aggressive treatment can improve outcomes.
Legal Considerations
- Compensation: Patients with mesothelioma may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, or veterans’ benefits.
- Legal Support: Consulting with a lawyer specializing in asbestos-related cases can help in seeking compensation.
Prevention
- Avoiding Asbestos Exposure: Reducing exposure to asbestos in the workplace and following safety regulations can help prevent mesothelioma.
- Regular Monitoring: For individuals with a history of asbestos exposure, regular medical check-ups and monitoring can aid in early detection.
Here is the Mayo Clinic’s definition of asbestosis:
Asbestosis (as-bes-TOE-sis) is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to these fibers can cause lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually don’t appear until many years after continued exposure.
Asbestos is a natural mineral product that’s resistant to heat and corrosion. It was used extensively in the past in products such as insulation, cement and some floor tiles.
Most people with asbestosis acquired it on the job before the federal government began regulating the use of asbestos and asbestos products in the 1970s. Today, its handling is strictly regulated. Acquiring asbestosis is extremely unlikely if you follow your employer’s safety procedures. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms.
The effects of long-term exposure to asbestos typically don’t show up until 10 to 40 years after initial exposure. Symptoms can vary in severity. Asbestosis signs and symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- A persistent, dry cough
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
- Fingertips and toes that appear wider and rounder than normal (clubbing)
- Chest tightness or pain
If you have a history of exposure to asbestos and you’re experiencing increasing shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about the possibility of asbestosis.
Causes
If you are exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over a long period of time, some of the airborne fibers can become lodged within your alveoli — the tiny sacs inside your lungs where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in your blood. The asbestos fibers irritate and scar lung tissue, causing the lungs to become stiff. This makes it difficult to breathe.
As asbestosis progresses, more and more lung tissue becomes scarred. Eventually, your lung tissue becomes so stiff that it can’t contract and expand normally.
Smoking appears to increase the retention of asbestos fibers in the lungs, and often results in a faster progression of the disease.
Risk factors
People who worked in mining, milling, manufacturing, installation or removal of asbestos products before the late 1970s are at risk of asbestosis. Examples include:
- Asbestos miners
- Aircraft and auto mechanics
- Boiler operators
- Building construction workers
- Electricians
- Railroad workers
- Refinery and mill workers
- Shipyard workers
- Workers removing asbestos insulation around steam pipes in older buildings
Risk of asbestosis is generally related to the amount and the duration of exposure to asbestos. The greater the exposure is, the greater the risk is of lung damage.
Secondhand exposure is possible for household members of exposed workers, as asbestos fibers may be carried home on clothing. People living close to mines may also be exposed to asbestos fibers released into the air.
In general, it’s safe to be around materials that are made with asbestos as long as the asbestos fibers are contained. This prevents them from getting into the air and being inhaled.
Complications
If you have asbestosis, you’re at increased risk of developing lung cancer — especially if you smoke or have a history of smoking. Rarely, malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissue around the lung, can occur many years after exposure to asbestos.
Prevention
Reducing exposure to asbestos is the best prevention against asbestosis. In the United States, federal law requires employers in industries that work with asbestos products — such as construction — to take special safety measures.
Many homes, schools and other buildings built before the 1970s have materials such as pipes and floor tiles that contain asbestos. Generally, there’s no risk of exposure as long as the asbestos is enclosed and undisturbed. It’s when materials containing asbestos are damaged that there’s a danger of asbestos fibers being released into the air and inhaled.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asbestosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354637
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